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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's ancient city looms a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For five years, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the corner of a key historic street and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers find no available accommodations, pedestrians are funneled through narrow walkways, and businesses have left the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be taken down.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has described it as a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

The establishment with 136 rooms was developed on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it first opened under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts began shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been closed off by the development.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been forced in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot left the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its management said building work had obliged them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has placed large signs on the framework to remind customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the a city committee in early this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would commence in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, referencing "highly complicated" building problems for the setback.

"We expect starting to remove sections of the structure towards the end of 2026, with further improvements ongoing after that," a statement read.

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, head of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to lessen disturbance and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It causes the experience for those on foot in that area of the city very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the streetscape or develop something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

A company representative said work on "ideas to beautify the site" was continuing.

They added: "We understand the irritations felt by the community and shops.

"This has been a extended and complex process, demonstrating the complexity and scale of the remedial work required, however we are committed to completing this vital work as soon as is possible."

The official said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I share the annoyance of residents and area enterprises over these ongoing postponements.

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the firm has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has turned out to be extremely complicated."